Heart of flame, shining mind
And now comes Day 2 of the #IBASwordtember challenge. This time the challenge word was Fire.
I love making these vignettes and Inessa Burnell knows their craft. It helps to inspire my imagination.
So, let’s have some fantasy goodness. Also, I apologize if this vignette turns into a short-story. I didn’t expect the scene to take this long, enjoy.
The picture on the wall showed a powerful red-haired warrior woman. She held a sword whose blade glowed with a yellow fiery light in one hand.
A lock of hair, tied to the sword, billowed in the wind. Her other hand glowed with fiery energy. Her eyes beamed with yellow light.
An older version of the red-haired woman looked on the picture and sighed. She remembered the artist that painted this tribute and effigy. This had been before the tragic events that had changed her life.
“So, you were a great warrior Mage mama?” asked the little red-haired girl standing beside her.
Both wore the humble attire of townsfolk.
“Yes indeed Kiri," the woman answered.
"There was a time where your mother was a great warrior, loved by the good folk and feared by evil. The Fire Maidens were a powerful boon to this world.”
The blue-eyed redhead 10-year-old looked at her mother. “Mama, why did the Fire Maidens go away.”
A sad look crossed the woman’s face. “An old enemy of mine, the Warlock Gradshar, lured the other Fire Maidens to his cause.”
The woman turned and crouched down to her daughter’s level. “You see my dear, the Fire Maidens made a grave mistake. They believed themselves invulnerable and incorruptible. Such pride is what Gradshar fed on to bring them over to the side of evil."
The girl’s face furrowed. “What happened to Gradshar?”
“You know your father and I have always taught you and your brothers the world can be a hard and cruel place, right?"
Kiri nodded her confirmation. “Well, to make a long story short, I had no choice but to kill him and my sisters because none would see reason. Pride is a dangerous thing little love.
"Also remember what I’ve taught you dear. If you must kill do so to defend the weak or those you care about, never for fun!”
The girl’s face brightened, “Papa says the same thing.”
The woman’s face loosened into a smile. “That’s your father for you. I owe him so much after what happened that day.”
“Gwenna?” a gravelly voice called.
A burly looking well-built blacksmith entered the living room and smirked. “Been looking at the picture huh lass?” The trimmed walrus mustache faced man asked.
Gwenna got to her feet and went to hug her husband. “Aye Jorgan, it’s hard but talking about it and being with you helps. I owe you and this town of Versalith so much."
"That day was horrible, but it was an important day to me." Gwenna thought out loud feeling herself shiver at the memory.
A tree trunk arm wrapped around her as they stared at the picture. “That day was an important one to me too. That picture was the day you and I met. And the day of the incident was the one where you decided to stay with me.”
Kiri looked at them and asked, “Papa, will I get Mama's powers?"
The blacksmith looked at his daughter. “You may, the fire magic runs strong with the women on your Mum’s side.”
The little girl looked at the picture. “Mama, I want to be a brave and noble warrior who helps people.”
Gwenna looked down on her daughter. At once she feared for her. Yet she also knew she didn’t want to make the same mistake her own mother had made.
“You can if you wish little one. But know this Kiri. It’s not an easy life.”
Gwenna’s husband added, “Aye lass, there’s as much chance of you getting killed as there is of success.”
“So, how can I be a successful adventurer?” Kiri asked.
Jorgan answered the question. “Kiri little love, it’s as much about brains as anything else. No disrespect towards you or your mother, but men have more strength than women.”
Gwenna smiled. “No disrespect taken, and it’s true Kiri. Men have more physical strength than women. So, for girls and women especially, adventuring is as much about exercising your mind as your body.”
“How should I exercise my mind?” Kiri asked.
Jorgan nodded his approval. “You do so by judging people based on their actions and character lass, like your Mum and I always do. Those things speak louder than pretty words. And learn your numbers so no one can cheat you.”
Kiri looked up at the picture of her mother then looked at her parents. “Mama, I want to bring back the Fire Maidens and make them better.”
Gwenna looked on her daughter again both hopeful and frightened. She’s so young and strong-willed like me. She could do it, but I still fear for her.
“Your father and I are willing to help you learn. But you have to promise to do your work from Father Milhann. We also expect you to listen to what we teach you.”
Jorgan explained, “I’ll teach you a few things about the forge as well. Proper equipment care is important no matter what your profession.”
“What of my brothers?” Kiri asked.
“Bronson is likely to take over my blacksmith business. As for Merrick, he may join you.”
Gwenna looked down into her daughter’s eyes as her own blue eyes lit up with yellow fiery light.
“Get strong little Kiri. I see you as hope for the future and a chance at redemption for my sisterhood."